Sleep and Anxiety

This article explains more about sleep and anxiety and solves the several puzzles and question that has been bothering you, so sit tight and pay keen attention.

Over the years there has been several studies and records on the issue of anxiety. A recent recordshows that over 40 million adults in the United States (U.S.), suffers from the several forms of anxiety.

With less than 37 percent of these patients receiving treatment, medical practitioners and doctors have recommended several remedies and treatments for these patients and we’ll be talking about these treatments.

Firstly, what’s Anxiety?

The term anxiety generalizes the several dysfunctions that hoist nervousness, worrying, fear and apprehension.

In one of the definitions of the American Psychological Association, they defined anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes such as increased blood pressure.”

Most people with this condition have been exposed to numerous psychological and physical symptoms. Anxiety readily affects our feeling, even though it might be mild or even severe.

There are distinct differences between the normal symptoms of ‘Anxiety’ and that of ‘Anxiety disorder.’ I’ll give more details about these two terms.

Anxiety

Anxiety is just like the normal day-to-day feeling of worry and increased alarms activated in our body when we’re exposed to some uncertain and potentially harmful conditions.

Anxiety is common with human beings or I must say ‘living thing.’ It has been inherent since the earliest days when the sight of harm triggered some chemical reactions in the body and forces the individual to take precautionary action.

The body adrenaline reacts to these conditions and alters the steady state of the body, such that you’ll be experiencing several changes like an increased

heartbeat, increased sensitivity and even sweating. This is known as the ‘flight-fight’ response. It prepares you for the worst and keeps you on alert.

I know that you’ll not be running into any predator or imminent danger, but anxiety is not always about that. In the modern world, anxiety deals with other likely factors like health, life, finance and other crucial and pressing issues.

These feelings of anxiety pop up when you’re afraid of falling sick, losing your job or business deal, involving in an accident, failing a test and even death.

Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is graver than anxiety. The severity of the reaction that occurs is always is always more serious than what original trigger could have caused. It always comes with physical and psychological symptoms which include nausea, increased heart rate and lots more. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes people in this condition as “having cyclical intrusive thoughts or concern”

Anxiety disorder is classified into 6 main types.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Social anxiety disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Panic disorder

Phobia

Separation anxiety disorder

Sleeping does a lot to our body system, and altering it would definitely affect you in one way or the other. Poor sleep ways beyond tiredness and leads to a retarded mental health, poor performance health problems, and lots more.

Sleep disorder doesn’t just cause anxiety and mood disorder, it leaves our body system vulnerable to conditions like irregular heartbeat, heart failure, high

Treatment

Haven’t you been sleeping because of anxiety and sleep disorder? It’ll be more advisable to visit a medical practitioner, mental health professional, and disorder clinics.

There are several treatment options available for this condition, which include cognitive-behavior therapy, relaxing techniques as well as medications, which shows how to identify and modify the various lifestyles that propagate sleeping difficulties.

Your therapists or doctor will know better and will recommend one or a combination of these treatments.

In addition to that, to control sleep and anxiety:

When deep press therapy applies to persons in this condition, there is a drastic boost of serotonin, which improves mood and general well-being and melatonin hormone which also has a calming effect that results in a deeper sleep. A weighted blanket simulates the action of being hugged, and the body releases these chemicals as a result. Use weighted blankets

If the weighted blanket doesn’t do it all, then add exercises to your weekly routine. Studies have proven that exercises such as cycling and yoga, helps counter anxiety. These activities help to release mood-enhancing endorphins and provide an outlet for frustration.

While exercise has been proven to help improve sleep and reduce anxiety, it’s not advisable right before you sleep because it’ll keep you awake through the night. Morning and afternoon are best for exercising, it can help you adjust your sleeping routine to help alleviate and treat anxiety, insomnia and even sleep apnoea.

Always schedule your day and map out at least, seven to nine hours daily for a full night of constant sleep.

Reading books and listening to soft music helps you to meditate and basically improves your sleeping routine. You could make use of that.

Stimulants like nicotine, coffee, and even chocolate heighten your sleep. You should also avoid side attractions such as television programs, computer and several of their kind.

Know what your bedroom is meant for. Always have it at the back of your mind that the bedroom is meant for sleeping and not for TV shows and gaming or even working. Always find the best spot to confine yourself to a better sleep.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine because excessive intake of it daily, will inhibit sleep, increase anxiety and even jeopardize the day’s activity. Alcohol alone will increase your heart rate and keep you awake all night. Make sure you take enough water daily, a reasonable amount so you won’t be frequenting the bathroom at night.

Conclusion

There’s more to managing anxiety than getting adequate exercise, using a weighted blanket, going to yoga classes and avoiding distractions. The best step to take when you notice any signs of anxiety or sleeping distress is to alarm your doctor or counselors. When issues like this arise, meet this pro’s because they have enough knowledge and possess great expertise that can be useful for the treatment.